Q. 1) In what circumstances, the follower of one school of fiqh can
seek solution to his problems by acting upon the teaching of other school of fiqh?(Ahmad
Ali, London)

A. 1) It is not permissible for a layman to pick and choose
from different juristic schools according to his own whims and desires. However, a person
who has vast knowledge of the sciences of the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the Islamic
jurisprudence can issue a fatwa in accordance with the ruling given by any other
recognized school, either on the strength of its arguments based on the Qur'an and sunnah
or on the basis of collective need of the Ummah.

Q. 2) We can manage to perform our daily prayers, but our main
problem is with regard to Juma prayer. Most of the Muslims around here are
employees of the firms owned by the Jews and the Christians who generally do not allow us
enough time to go to the Jamia mosques. What, in these circumstances is advisable
for us?

A. 2) A Muslim should try his best to convince his employer to give
him permission to perform Jumu'ah prayer in a mosque, because it is a religious
obligation, and every person has a right to perform his religious obligations even in a
secular state. If the employer does not give permission, the same should be sought by
approaching legal authorities, or should try to get some other job where this obligation
maybe fulfilled properly.

Q. 3) Is it permissible by the Shariah to conduct our own Juma prayer
and Khutbah, while number of Muslims available for Juma prayer will not
exceed four or five? What is the minimum number of people required for Juma congregation?

A. 3) In cases of genuine need, it is permissible for the Muslim
employees to arrange for their own Jum'ah prayer in their working place. The minimum
number required for Jumu'ah prayer is three persons other than the imam (i.e. a total of
four persons). The Imam should recite two khutbas, then lead the prayer. This arrangement
should be taken as a last resort and should be discontinued as soon as the employees are
able to go to a proper mosque for Jum'ah prayer.